Billy Timmins in General Election bid
FORMER TD Billy Timmins has confirmed that he will run in the next General Election.
The Baltinglass native rejoined Fine Gael and has been selected to stand on the party ticket in the upcoming elections, which are likely to take place next year.
While acknowledging the work that the current public representatives are carrying out, he believes that, if elected, he can make a positive contribution to the county and its residents.
‘Over the last couple of years I have kept in close contact with the public and reiterated their demand that there is prudent management of the economy,’ said Mr Timmins.
‘People want to see their taxes collected in a fair manner and expended in a responsible and equitable way. A unified and concerted effort is needed to address the environmental need, but this will involve a change in all our habits. Government schemes have to be tailored to encourage and assist all in facing this serious challenge. As society becomes more affluent, it is important that resources are targeted to achieve equality of opportunity, this is particularly the case in access to education and a system to allow people own their own home.’
Mr Timmins served as a Fine Gael TD following the retirement of his father Godfrey Timmins in 1997. He lost the Fine Gael whip in 2013 due to his opposition to the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act. He remained Independent for a year before helping to establish Renua. He resigned from Renua in 2016 after losing his Dáil seat. He rejoined Fine Gael in August of last year.
Mr Timmins said he is looking forward to engaging with the public in the weeks and months ahead and hopes that all energies are geared towards progress.
He is particularly unhappy over the failure to include the upgrade of the N81 for the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Regional Authority.
‘It is deeply regretful that the upgrade scheme for the N81 appears to have fallen off the map and that the necessary support to extend the Luas to Blessington wasn’t forthcoming from members of the Eastern and Midland Regional Authority. If elected, these two infrastructural projects will be the top of my priority list. A proposal to extend the Luas from Saggart to Blessington was included in the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for The Eastern and Midland Region. This would be of huge benefit and have endless potential. Unfortunately it was removed, just like the N81.
‘Our area needs representation at national level all the time and not just cardboard cut outs and slogans at election time. It needs someone who cares about the area,’ said Mr Timmins.